San Carlos School District appoints 2 trustees

Hamirani is the chief people officer at HighLevel, a global company where he said he spends his day working through complex people-interest issues that would prepare him for any difficult discussions a board may need to have. 

Hamirani said after visiting various school districts throughout California for a previous job to understand different Local Control and Accountability Plans informed him of the big-picture thinking that is demanded of a school board.

“These experiences really deepened my appreciation for the complexities involved in public education and the importance of equity inclusion and strategic collaboration to make everything happen for all stakeholders in the school district,” Hamirani said. 

In addition to maintaining the district’s academic success, Hamirani said it is also the district’s responsibility to help students understand themselves and get to a place where “they can manage themselves in a better way” and gain confidence to navigate life. 

Lipkin is the Northern California regional director for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, and said his experience working in the public sector and understanding procurement will be particularly valuable as the district uses Measure H bond funds for infrastructure improvements. 

“This is probably one of the largest capital programs that the district is going to be doing in decades and I believe my experience will be helpful,” Lipkin said. “This feels like a critical time where I can make a meaningful contribution.” 

Both first-generation immigrants, Hamirani and Lipkin both spoke to the importance of creating an inclusive environment that supports both students and their families who may speak another language at home. 

“I have been in the shoes of an English learner,” Lipkin said. “I understand what that looks like and what that means for families.” 

Current trustees Sarah Cassanego, Tracy Park and Sarah Kinghan voted unanimously in favor of the two appointees, who were sworn into the board at the regular board meeting Jan. 16. 

“Together I think we can advance this school’s mission to foster kind, curious and resilient learners who are well prepared for the future no matter what it brings for them,” Hamirani said.